“Well, what about that new young assistant in the short skirt that’s always hanging around him?” one of them said in a conspiratorial tone. “I heard that they live together already.”


    “I heard that most of her job duties involve lying on her back on the mattress if you catch my drift.”


    Thedies burst outughing, and a hot flush spread across my cheeks.


    “What’s the assistant’s name?”


    “I think it’s like Ophelia or something like that,” one said offhandly like my identity didn’t matter to them.


    My hands clenched around the papers I was holding as anger surged through me. That was the final straw. I wasn’t going to stand here and listen to their immature gossip anymore.


    I burst into the room, and all four of the women’s heads turned to me. Their eyes widened, and their cheeks grew red in embarrassment.


    “My name is Olivia,” I snapped and made eye contact with each one of them. “If you’re going to spread gossip about someone, you better at least have your facts straight. And I bet Alexander would be interested to know that his secretarial staff is usingpany time to sit around and gossip.”


    I narrowed my eyes and looked around the room. My fury lessened when I noticed genuine fear and remorse in their expressions. I sighed, and my shoulders slumped as my indignation drained out of me like someone had pulled the plug on my anger.


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    260 Wall Bers


    “I won’t tell Alexander.” I muttered, already feeling guilty for saying that. I wouldn’t like it if someone threatened me with something like that. “It’s understandable and natural to gossip during downtime at work. I’ll let it slide this time.”


    The four let out a collective sigh of relief.


    When the adrenaline fully left my body, all that was left was a hollow feeling and exhaustion. I went over to the corner of the room to begin filing the paperwork for Alexander. I couldn’t stop thinking about the trip he had nned with Naomi on Saturday. What if he began to date her seriously? Just that thought made my stomach twist.


    As I was sorting through the papers, one of the secretaries came up to me with a sheepish expression. She had kind brown eyes and auburn hair.


    “Listen, Olivia, I’m really sorry for talking about you behind your back. That wasn’t kind of us to do,” she said.


    I shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t mind gossip. It’s not like I’ve never spected about someone’s personal life before. But next time someone brings my name up when talking about Alexander’s potential lovers, can you please set them straight and tell them that I’m not involved with my boss. I’m just his assistant. Nothing more.”


    “Of course,” she assured me and smiled.


    But I noticed the small hint of doubt in her eyes. No matter what, people were always going to think that there was something between Alexander and me.


    Quietly, I sighed as I headed back upstairs. Well, at least now I knew the real reason Alexander was going to Ld.


    It was to spend more quality time with Naomi Wright.


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    Chapter for


    My hands balled into tight, fists, and I walked into the break room for another cup of coffee. I knew I shouldn’t have any more caffeine since I was already jittery, but myte night sleuthing with Ava was catching up to me.


    In the break room, Gai was pouring herself another cup of coffee, too.


    “How many more meetings today?” I asked as she handed me the coffee pot.


    J


    “Five.” she answered glumly. “I need to get this caffeine inserted into my veins through an IV.”


    I giggled.


    “Alexander doesn’t even have time for his afternoon nap today,” she continued. “He is taking care of everything for his trip on Saturday.”


    I frowned. “Right, about that. I think that you should definitely be the one to go with him on that trip.”


    She tilted her head as she poured creamer into her coffee. “Why?”


    “Well, Alexander is going to go on a date while he’s in Ld. I don’t think it would be…appropriate for me to join him on this trip,” I exined.


    “He’s going on a date?” Gai asked and turned to me with wide eyes.


    “Yep.” I tried my best to keep my displeasure out of my voice. “I saw a post on social media from Naomi Wright–the woman that he went on a date withst night. She made a post saying that Alexander and her were going to Ld on Saturday.”


    Gai’s brow furrowed. “Hm.”


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    11:47


    I waited for her to say more as she slowly stirred her coffee, but that


    was it.


    I crossed my arms. “What?”


    “Well, I just think that it’s interesting that you think I should go on this trip instead of you.” she said without looking at me.


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